Best Knee Support for Running

Running is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy, with runners enjoying the benefits of increased endurance, better fitness and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors!

However, running is a very stressful activity on the body so runners can be subject to injuries, especially in the knee and ankle joints.

Knee Injuries in Runners

Runners are vulnerable to a number of different injuries, especially if there is inadequate warm-up and cool down or training intensity suddenly increases.

One of the most common ailments in runners is “Runner’s Knee”, which is also known as patella-femoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Runner’s Knee occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t track properly, resulting in pain either under, slightly above or below the kneecap.

It can be caused by a number of different factors, including muscular problems if the quadriceps are weak and hamstrings too tight to support the patella sufficiently.

It could also be a bio-mechanical issue, or caused by knee cartilage becoming worn so shock absorption is reduced. Poor running shoes can also be a factor.

The symptoms often include pain during running, after covering a certain distance and tenderness just above the knee joint. The pain can be exaggerated by increased hill work (especially down-hill), and running on tough ground conditions such as roads and countryside paths.

Symptoms vary per individual; some may experience sharp and sudden pain and others dull and chronic for different periods of time.

Runner’s Knee is not the only knee injury that runners are vulnerable to, as they can suffer from knee sprains, IT Band Syndrome and Patellar Tendinitis among others.

Why use a Knee Support for Running? 

Knee injuries, including runner’s knee can be managed by strengthening the quadriceps and stretching the hamstrings.

A good quality knee support can also help to manage knee injuries, as well as reducing recovery times and assisting in preventing further injury.

A good support will give extra support for the knee joint whilst also providing comfortable compression to help reduce swelling. Knee supports can also be used in training to support the joint against extra impact from hard ground and increased exercise.

Different Types of Knee Supports for Running

The LP Sports Medicine Team has developed a wide range of high quality knee supports, many of which can be used to manage knee injuries caused by running.

The two main types of knee support are Closed Patella Knee Supports and Open Patella Supports. All of these supports will cover the entire knee joint, with the main difference being that a Closed Patella Knee Support consists of a continuous sleeve of reinforced material, while an Open Patella Knee Support leaves the patella (or kneecap) uncovered at the front of the knee.

Closed Patella Knee Supports for Running

Neoprene Closed Patella Support

The LP Closed Patella Knee Support (product code 706) is our most popular knee support for running.

The support is made from high quality closed cell neoprene, which is the best material for compression and heat retention. This means that the support retains body heat to warm the knee joint and improve blood circulation.

It is easy to slip on and off and is designed to stay in place and provide superior support during the longest of training runs.

The LP Closed Patella Knee Support is available in a number of different sizes and is available for $34.95 Buy here

Open Patella Knee Supports for Running

Open Patella Knee Supports also help with running injuries as the open kneecap provides extra protection to the patella.

The LP Open Patella Knee Support (product code 708) includes a reinforced patella stabiliser, which helps to prevent abnormal tracking of the patella making sure it stays in alignment with the rest of the joint. It also helps to relieve pressure on the patella.

This support is also made from high quality closed cell neoprene, retaining body heat while providing exceptional support and compression.

The LP Open Patella Knee Support is available in several different sizes and is priced at $39.95 Buy Here

Extreme Patella Tracking Support

Another product in the LP range is the Extreme Patella Tracking Support (product code 579CA).

All Extreme supports are made from CoolPrene® material, which keeps the skin dry with a series of grooves and venting holes that work in a revolutionary pumping action. This reduces excess heat and sweat which enhances comfort and stops your support from becoming hot and sticky.

The versatile nature of the support means that it can be used to help with a range of different knee injuries with stretch fabric for ease of wear and comfort.

The Extreme Patella Tracking Support is available for $69.95 Buy here

If you are trying to decide between an Open Patella and Closed Patella Knee Support then this blog post explains the difference between them.

Knee Brace for running 

The use of a knee brace for running can also help with runner’s knee, and the LP Support Patella Brace (code 769) applies pressure on the tendon below the kneecap. 

LP Patella Brace / 769 - $19.95

This helps to spread the pressure from running across a larger area, taking the stress off the patella tendon. The brace will also assist with correct tracking and helps to provide relief of pain and inflammation in the knee.

Buy the LP Patella Brace here

All LP Knee Supports are carefully designed by medical professionals to relieve pain, prevent further injury and provide optimal wearing comfort.

With a range of sizes to accommodate all individuals, make sure you are well supported so you can perform at your best whatever your level of training.

View our full range of Knee Supports here

Credit: LP Support UK www.lp-supports.com